Macular Degeneration

Adult Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss among people 60 and over. It effects the macula located in the rear portion of the retina. The macula holds light sensing cells that are responsible for sharp central vision.

Dry Form of Macular Degeneration The most common form of macular degeneration is dry form. It is characterized by the formation of yellow deposits in the macula which grow in size and number, eventually effecting central vision. In more advanced stages, the tissue in the macula begins to thin as the degeneration of cells progresses.

Wet Form of Macular Degeneration The wet form of Macular Degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels from underneath the macula. These blood vessels deposit blood and fluid into the retina, causing visual distortion. The scarring of the blood vessels leads to permanent vision loss.

Signs of Macular Degeneration A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to detect macular degeneration. Here are some of the symptoms: Straight lines may appear wavy or distorted Dark, blurry, or blank areas in central vision Reduced or changed color perception

Treatments Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are treatments to slow the progression and prevent severe loss of vision. Anti-angiogenic injections to prevent new blood vessels from forming and stop leakage from abnormal blood vessels Laser therapy to eliminate growing abnormal blood vessels Telescope implant (severe vision loss) There are a small number FDA approved drugs that have shown some success. Vitamins A healthy diet that includes dark leafy vegetables

Living with Macular Degeneration Macular Degeneration can effect life in a variety of ways, depending on the progression and severity of the vision loss. Vision distortion can effect reading and use of computers, requiring some to use auditory assistive technology. Difficulty recognizing faces. The ability to drive may be lost. Getting around in unfamiliar places without falling or tripping may require the use of a cane. Some may find it helpful to consult an orientation and mobility specialist to learn practical strategies of living with low vision due to Macular Degeneration.

Juvenile Macular Degeneration Juvenile macular degeneration, often referred to as macular dystrophy, is used to refer to a group of disorders(usually inherited) which cause dysfunction in the macula for children and young adults. Two most common types are: Stargardt’s Disease Best’s Disease (Best’s vitelliform retinal dystrophy)

Stargardt’s Disease This progressive disease occurs when lipofuscin (fatty byproduct of cell activity) builds up in the macula. The accumulation of lipofuscin produces spots and scarring on the macula which effects central vision.

Best’s Disease This disease is characterized by the formation of a yolk-like cyst caused by lipofuscin fluid accumulation in the macula. The cyst may cause little to no vision loss, however, it does produce loss of central vision when it ruptures. In most cases these cysts do not rupture until the adult years. Best’s disease is generally known to only effect one eye.

Signs of Juvenile Macular Degeneration Loss of central vision Yellowish spots in macular region Peripheral vision stays in tact Difficulty in adapting to dark environments Decline in visual acuity

Treatments for Juvenile Macular Degeneration Vision loss caused by macular degeneration is permanent and not correctable with prescription lenses or refractive surgery. At this time, there are some promising gene and drug therapies currently being researched.

Living With Juvenile Macular Degeneration Individuals will have difficulty: reading writing recognizing faces They may also benefit from: low vision aides orientation and mobility training

References Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - VisionAware. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://www.visionaware.org/info/your-eye-condition/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd/12 Altaweel, M. (n.d.). Best Disease. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1227128-overview#a0199 Experience What AMD Looks Like. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://www.amd.org/what-is-amd/experience-amd.html Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration [NEI Health Information]. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp#3 Macular Degeneration Foundation - Junvenile MD. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://www.eyesight.org/Macular_Degeneration/Junvenile_MD/junvenile_md.html Macular Degeneration Treatment - FDA-Approved Options. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2014, from http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd-treatments.htm Roberts, D. (2002, October 10). Low Vision Resources Center — Types of Juvenile Macular Degeneration. Retrieved from http://lowvision.preventblindness.org/eye-conditions/types-of-juvenile-macular-degeneration